'Dexter' Prequel Opens With Shocking Cameo

The following article contains spoilers for Episode 1 of Dexter: Original Sin.

Dexter: Original Sin is here and Showtime is taking viewers back to where it all began—or at least to Dexter Morgan’s early days. The prequel dives into the making of our favorite vigilante (this time played by Patrick Gibson), exploring his relationship with Harry (Christian Slater) and how he developed that twisted moral code. It’s part of Showtime’s plan to squeeze every blood droplet out of one of their most successful franchises, and honestly, who can blame them? But can we talk about that opening scene?

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The titular character seemed to have met his end in Dexter: New Blood when his son shot him. When Dexter: Resurrection was announced Michael C. Hall teased that “It’s really cold out there,” in reference to his character’s fate. So, naturally, the first scene in the original story of Dexter is to resurrect him. Dexter: Original Sin kicks off by bringing the iconic serial killer back to life. Looks like the Dexter franchise is more connected than fans might have thought.

Related: 'Dexter' Original Series Cast: Where Are They Now?

The idea for the opening scene of Dexter: Original Sin began with a bold—and polarizing—choice. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, showrunner and creator Clyde Phillips initially intended for Dexter’s story to end definitively, suggesting fans were disappointed by New Blood finale. Then Michael C. Hall made the call that changed everything. Hall, deeply connected to the character, urged Phillips to find a way to continue the story. Phillips agreed and devised a scientific explanation to justify Dexter’s survival: the freezing temperatures of the snowy finale prevented him from bleeding out, allowing doctors to save him. And with that, Dexter Morgan was “resurrected,” setting the stage for the prequel series.

Dexter: New Blood seemed to finally give fans the closure they craved after the widely panned original finale, where Dexter faked his death and moved to the woods to become a lumberjack. By killing off Dexter in the sequel series, Showtime addressed a major criticism and delivered a fitting, albeit tragic, ending for the character. So why does Dexter: Original Sin open by undoing that hard-earned redemption arc—except with a twist that brings back someone else entirely? The answer is pretty simple - there is more story to tell in the Dexter universe.

Related: 'Dexter: Original Sin' Prequel Series Drops Teaser Trailer With Michael C. Hall: What to Know

Social media reacts to Dexter's return

Users on social media seem divided on the return of the serial killer with a code.

New episodes of the show premiere Fridays on Paramount+ and Sundays on Showtime, featuring a star-studded cast including Michael C. Hall, Christian Slater, Patrick Gibson, Patrick Dempsey, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Molly Brown.

Related: Everything New on Streaming This Week– Including the 'Dexter' Prequel and Mr. Beast's Reality Show